To delight in war is a merit in the soldier a dangerous quality in the captain and a positive crime in the statesman.

The learner always begins by finding fault but the scholar sees the positive merit in everything.

We read too much Shakespeare at school and view our parliamentary politics as dynastic drama in which an impatient crown prince frets at his long subordination and begins to scheme for the throne he knows he merits was promised and has earned.

In politics merit is rewarded by the possessor being raised like a target to a position to be fired at.

One merit of poetry few persons will deny: it says more and in fewer words than prose.

If you are cast in a different mould to the majority it is no merit of yours: Nature did it.

Nature gives you the face you have at twenty it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty.

The dance can reveal everything mysterious that is hidden in music and it has the additional merit of being human and palpable. Dancing is poetry with arms and legs.

Neither soldiers nor money can defend a king but only friends won by good deeds merit and honesty.

The sacrifices made by veterans and their willingness to fight in defense of our nation merit our deep respect and praise - and to the best in benefits and medical care.